Published: July 24, 2008 08:51 pm      

Realtors specialize in helping senior citizens sell homes

ASHLAND — Older people facing the challenge of selling a home now have experts on their side.

Realtors Ellen McCullough and Patty Svarczkopf recently completed Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) training through Chicago-based Senior Real Estate Specialist Council, a group of Realtors who represent seniors in buying, selling and investing in real estate.

The SRES designation shows the Realtor is committed and willing to take the extra time to work with the special challenges of helping seniors sell their homes.

“Today you have an advantage in helping you with the sales and decision-making process,” McCullough said. “You can call on the expertise of a Realtor who is a Senior real Estate Specialist (SRES).

“A SRES is specially trained to help seniors make smart decisions about selling their home; buying rental property; obtaining a reverse mortgage; managing capital gains and estate tax implications of owning real estate; moving to a retirement community; and many other issues. Adding a SRES to your support team of an attorney, CPA and financial planner will greatly reduce your stress.”

Svarczkopf said she and McCullough can also point seniors toward other specialists to help with transitions and challenges for senior citizens.

“We are the real estate specialists, but we can help them assemble a team of experts for everything else,” she said.

Both McCullough and Svarczkopf are available to speak to church groups, senior citizen’s organizations and others with questions and issues related to senior citizens and real estate. For more information call (606) 922-8300 or (606) 923-0357.